More programs and more students are expected at the Comox Valley campus of North Island College this fall.
According to NIC director of college and community relations Susan Auchterlonie, enrolment numbers are stabilizing region-wide compared to the past two years, but in the Comox Valley things are different.
"With respect to the Comox Valley campus specifically, we are still experiencing growth," explained Auchterlonie. "Enrolments are strong in business administration, university transfer arts and science, and interactive media and graphic design.
"Our limited-entry programs, such as bachelor of science in nursing, early childhood, health care assistant and human services are also nearing capacity and our trades programs at the Comox Valley campus (plumbing and carpentry) are full."
Auchterlonie added the college is expecting an increase in international students this year as well. In 2011/2012, 121 students came to NIC from other parts of the world. Auchterlonie expects that number to jump to 135 to 150 students this school year — which she said is a "significant increase" for the school.
"This week we are very pleased to have had 60 new international students join us for a week-long orientation session to familiarize them with both with the college and the region," added Auchterlonie.
"We were able to hire a number of domestic students to work as inter-cultural ambassadors to assist with the orientation, which makes the first week of classes that much easier for our international students, as they already made connections with a few of their classmates."
She noted the final enrolment date for the college is Sept. 14, so final numbers won't be available until then, but school officials are pleased with how they're shaping up so far.
The college also has a couple of new programs on offer this fall.
The Exercise and Wellness program is a one-year certificate that ladders directly into Camosun College's diploma program. Students will learn to sail, kayak, standup paddle board and Nordic ski in preparation for careers as personal trainers and fitness coaches, among other things.
The Activity Assistant program is for individuals already certified as Education Assistants or Health Care Assistants who wish to work with older adults.
For more information, visit www.nic.bc.ca.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
